11
2011
Alderson Uncovers A Gem In Chris Young
An article by Craig Lerner
Lost in the ugliness of yesterday’s loss to the Nationals, was a brilliant performance by right-hander Chris Young who pitched a one-hitter through seven innings.
Young, who also pitched for GM Sandy Alderson when both were with the San Diego Padres, tossed his second solid effort in a row, and has allowed just two earned runs in 12.1 innings pitched for a 1.46 ERA and even more importantly a .140 BAA.
Young has been this good before and a closer look into the numbers will show you that what we are seeing is his vintage self. Of the 24 batters he faced, 17 of them saw first pitch strikes, and of the 15 balls hit into play, 14 of them were in the air. Getting ahead in the count and then making the batters succumb to his signature pitch is what Young’s game is all about. Alderson knew that, and that’s why we are glad to have him in a Mets uniform today.
What I marvel at the most was how hard he took the loss after the game yesterday. He was more concerned about the loss than he was about his remarkable effort, the best pitching performance of the season so far for the Mets. In fact he took the blame for the loss upon himself!
“If we had won today, I would’ve been really satisfied,” Young said. “I’m a little disappointed in the run I gave up in the second inning. It started with a leadoff walk, which, to me, is unacceptable. Ultimately, they tied the game in the eighth or ninth, and so if we have that run back, we’ve got a three-run lead instead of two, so I take the blame for that.”
I’m looking forward to more performances like the first two from Young, and even better ones too as he slowly but surely regains the form that made him an all-star in 2007.
That’s the essence of the new philosophy we have in Flushing now – getting this type of quality player and not having to pay $15-$24 million dollars a season for him.
The Big Three (Alderson, DePodesta, Ricciardi) uncovered a gem in Chris Young – expect plenty more gems in the future.
About the Author: Craig Lerner
I'm a data analyst and researcher for a leading news agency who loves life and is hooked on the Mets. I love following the Amateur Draft and have a particular fondness for the Mets Minor Leagues who I follow each day. Give me a cold beer, a summer day, and a Mets game, and I'm good to go.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 42 | 30 | .583 | - |
| Phillies | 35 | 37 | .486 | 7.0 |
| Nationals | 34 | 36 | .486 | 7.0 |
| Mets | 27 | 40 | .403 | 12.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 48 | .314 | 19.0 |
Last updated: 06/19/2013
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As much as I love what Young has done so far, it’s much too early to make a judgment.
So far, he has looked great and I’ve been very happy to see the product he has put on the field.
However, if it’s too early to criticize, it is too early to call Chris young a gem.
And i’m the optimistic one, you know?
It’s a little early to sing praises or criticize Alderson – but Young has looked great so far and I fully expect him to be great the rest of the season.
I would normally agree except that Chris Young is pitching just like he always has before the arm injury. He is not pitching over his head. His GB/FB rate is inline with career norms as is his K9 and BAA. All Young has to do is stay on the field, and pitch like he always has.
Sat, NB, prior to Young’s shoulder strain issue, treated much as Pedro’s had been with strengthening exercises improving muscular support surrounding it, no surgery, no cutting Young was the SD #1A SP behind Peavy his excellent WHIP & BAA are CAREER STATS not mirage stats. Certainly a byproduct of PETCO; but where else other than CITI aka PETCO-EAST can we consider this more sequel than aberration. Certainly it’s too early; however it’ll too soon be too late on Sunday, he was slipped one slot back behind Capuano to 5, about the same way we’f need to correct TC’s biggest mistake to date to perhaps slip ine more notch back to #1? Subtle; but effective, IF…
Young is the antithesis of Pelfrey, a career opportunist who sees what the opposition is looking for then gives them WHAT they’re seeking WHERE he wants it hit(ZONE)
The question has never been what he would do on the mound. It has always been WILL he get on the mound in the first place!
And I’ll say this, If he continues to get no run support that arm will give way because he will try to make up for the lack of run support and hurt his arm!
isn’t 2 starts a bit early to be calling him a gem?
Yes and people should remember that this time last year Pelfrey started looking Cy Young only to fall apart in June and July.
It’s not about how you start but how you finish.
Young has been the best pitcher in the rotation so far and we should be happy to see it.
The worry has to be will he make it through the season and will he get better run support so his good days are not wasted!
It’s not too early otherwise Alderson wouldn’t have cut Boyer after 2-3 relief appearances. You can tell whose crap and whose good. Young is good and always has been what totally BLOWS about this post is that he writes about the needle and IGNORES the haystack!!!
It may be early to think he can last an entire season, but it’s not to early to call him a gem. At $1.5 MM a pitcher with the pedigree and quality of Young is a gem. Just as Dickey was or the Mets last year. When batters walk away from the plate shaking their head or just stare at the mound after striking out, they are telling you this guy can pitch and he can pitch great. That’s all I’m saying. I’m not saying he is Tom Seaver, I’m saying hey look, it’s Chris Young, he’s back.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion so if you feel that way OK but I can’t sit here and call him a gem based on 2 starts. The same way I would not call him a bust after 2 starts had he struggled early.
I have enjoyed his early success and I agree he has looked good so far. I look forward to seeing him continue to pitch well and remain healthy.
Lets Go Mets!!!
Why dont you write about the other gems Alderson found like Blaine “DFA” Boyer, Brad “.180″ Emaus, Willie “K-Machine” Harris, Scott “Mendoza Line” Hairston, and DJ “kiss my” Carrasco?
You MUST be a new fan and have no idea what has happened the last 6 years around here.
Maybe we can get Gary Mathews Jr on the phone, or Frank Catalanno, Moises Alou, Mike Jacobs, Scott Schoewenweiss, Mota………
typical Craig Lerner – does he think the readers of this site are stupid?
The guy is so BIASED towards his moneyball/sabermetric philosophy, so BIASED, his views so DISTORTED towards the Front Office that I think he wants the Mets to succeed only a certain way. That’s it.
As long as any Mets success is directly tied to his philosophies than only will he be happy. Never mind that there’s a reason other teams didn’t sign Chris Young – this miracle find by Sandy Alderson that NOBODY else knew about. Yeah, right. I’m glad Young is doing well, don’t misunderstand but Lerner makes it sound like it’s some miracle that NOBODY but Sandy Alderson could’ve figured out.
And as Maniac stated, what about crediting Alderson with putting together and bringing up North the WORST Mets bullpen in years. In YEARS!
And the OBP Case study – Brad Emaus. you know, the guy that ONLY got the job because of a philosophy and not because he did the best. Yes it’s still early and there’s still time for Emaus to hit. But that’s the point. He has to HIT not walk. Nobody makes a major league roster for being a good walker until now.
If Emaus doesn’t start to turn it around then guess what options the Mets have a 2B. Correct, the one option that should’ve been there in the first place.
And this puts to bed that stupid, stupid, stupid notion that batting AVG is not important and OBP is more important. That’s the argument guys like me, Vinnie B, & Metsie had with the saber goons like Extreme Icon, Chris, & their spreadsheet cronies. Case Closed. If you can’t hit then you can’t play major league baseball. If Emaus doesn’t start hitting he can walk all the way back to Toronto. Emanus got the job because of a philosophy, because of his plate discipline, not his talent. His plate discipline is more important than his talent with these guys. Sorry folks, you can’t fool the game of baseball
Hitting is the story. Nothing genius about it, nothing innovative. If you can’t hit than nothing else matters.
And you attack anyone or anything you see as a proponent of the philosphy. You even go so far as to lie about what they said.
Yes, Craig is way too quick with his praise, but he’s nowhere near as premature as you are with your condemnation.
“And as Maniac stated, what about crediting Alderson with putting together and bringing up North the WORST Mets bullpen in years. In YEARS!”
OK, someone has short term memory.
“And the OBP Case study – Brad Emaus. you know, the guy that ONLY got the job because of a philosophy and not because he did the best.”
He did about the same as everyone else. And yes, the guy who fits with the organizational philosophy gets an extra look. Not to mention the contract issues.
“Yes it’s still early and there’s still time for Emaus to hit. But that’s the point. He has to HIT not walk.”
no, he just has to not make outs. I like no having a black hole before the pitcher spot.
” Nobody makes a major league roster for being a good walker until now.”
Kevin Yukelis and PeeWee Reese (well ,arguably)
“If Emaus doesn’t start to turn it around then guess what options the Mets have a 2B. Correct, the one option that should’ve been there in the first place. ”
Justin Turner thanks you for the compliment.
“And this puts to bed that stupid, stupid, stupid notion that batting AVG is not important and OBP is more important”
After 9 games? And its not like you’ve proven anything. You just declared victory.
“That’s the argument guys like me, Vinnie B, & Metsie ”
who, coincidentally, according to you, are the only smart guys here and the only ones worthy of respect. And you call out some one else for bias.
“with the saber goons like Extreme Icon, Chris, & their spreadsheet cronies. ”
goons? Cronies? You are the one using parroting and bully tactics. I don’t remember X or Chris or any of them using veiled threats of violence. You tell people who actually want proof of claims that they are going to get punched in the face.
“Case Closed”
Because you said so? Not how it works, tiger.
“If you can’t hit then you can’t play major league baseball.”
Unless you have “veteran leadership”, or are named Ruben Tejada, or “got rings” or have some other mystic, undefined magic power that only you comprehend.
“Emanus got the job because of a philosophy, because of his plate discipline, not his talent.”
Plate discipline is a talent.
“Sorry folks, you can’t fool the game of baseball”
what the hell does that even mean? Do you just put words down and hope they sound sage like in whatever order?
“Hitting is the story. Nothing genius about it, nothing innovative. If you can’t hit than nothing else matters.”
Ya, Felix Hernandez is worthless.
..and this RIDICULOUSLY STUPID expression “he just has to not make outs” has to go.
Just “don’t make outs” What a stupid expression. In the silliest extreme you can “not make outs” by simply walking or getting hit by a pitch”
HIT. It’s about HITTING. If you can’t HIT you can’t play baseball. (and for the defiantly stupid like donal no i’m not talking about pitching right now)
“just don’t make out” That’s like saying when u wake up in the morning “just don’t die” Instead of doing the things you have to do in life every day, instead of taking the initiative, instead of going out and getting what you want…….. “just don’t die”
What a stupid expression and naturally the people who know the LEAST about baseball and what it takes to succeed in athletic competition don’t understand this. Led by the likes of donal aka Forest Gump they are defiantly stupid.
If you can’t hit, you can’t play? Then why your mancrush on Ruben Tejada?
Yes, “not making an out” is the bare minimum and I want everyone to do better than that. But, “not making an out” is a lot better than the “AVG/OBP/SLG less than your weight” that Tejada posts. In all 3 categories.
Presently, Emaus is the 2B option that puts them in the best position to win. Can that change? It probably will. Either Turner or Tejada will learn to hit or Havens will prove to be healthy.
So, I’ll let you have the last word so you crank out some hollow cliches and personal attacks with misguided anger that you would never use in real life.
Yes, I am rooting for him just I would have rooted for whoever the new GM was going to be. Maybe I am a bit more enthusiastic because I happen to appreciate the new way of doing business, but I wasn’t ignoring the other players he signed. I was simply highlighting a Met who had a very good week for the team and showed tremendous upside.
“And as Maniac stated, what about crediting Alderson with putting together and bringing up North the WORST Mets bullpen in years. In YEARS!”
WHAT?!?! After 9 games, this is the worst pen in years? Get real. The ’08-’09 pen were much, much worse.
No they weren’t. Not even close.
Yes they were. Obviously, you’re forgetting scrubs like Brandon Knight, Carlos Muniz, Luis Ayala, Heilman, Shitweiss, Tony Armas, Jorge Sosa, Duaner Sanchez, Claudio Vargas, Matt Wise, and Sean Green that plagued the pen. THOSE guys were better? WAKE UP Bayonne!
And how are Boyer, Bucholz, Carrasco and Brydak any better than those guys?
Going into the season in 09, yes, the bullpen was better than this year. K-rod and Putz, and later in the year, Wagner was going to be back – That’s not better? Oh and 08, before Wagner went down i think it was better, but AFTER he got hurt it wasn’t. And in both years we had Feliciano too.
-Boyer isn’t on this team anymore and if it wasn’t for Izzy needing extended ST, he would’ve NEVER made the team so BOOM! He’s out of the picture.
-Byrdak has been a consistent LOOGY over the last 4-5 years.
-Buccholz is a solid setup/middle relief guy if healthy.
-Carrasco is a decent long relief pitcher.
Yes, K-Rod & Putz looked good in ’09, but Putz wasn’t as good as advertised, now was he? After that, we had a raw rookie (Parnell), Stokes, Green (who was a throw in in the Putz deal), Ken Takahashi, and some other guys. Not all that exciting for a so-called “good” bullpen. After we lost Wagner in ’08, we were screwed because there was NOBODY consistent or suitable enough to shut down the 9th inning for us. Ayala? Nope. Feliciano? Forget about it.
I refuse to judge the pen after a few games…especially when most of the starters are having a very hard time going deep into the ball game.
If k-rod went down this year, we would have the same problem as we did in 08.
Blaine Boyer pitched in more games out of the bullpen than Tony Armas and brandon Knight. So if you can say two guys who pitched in LESS games than Boyer “plauged the pen” then i can say Boyer “plauged the pen” also.
Feliciano was better in 08 and 09, than Byrdack is now.
Putz didn’t do well because he was hurt. He’s a very good closer, he pitched great last year, and is off to a good start this year, oh and i don’t have to tell you how good he was with Seattle. And we had wagner then too, who was going to come back later in the year – We don’t have three guys in our bullpen like THAT, now do we?
Wagner at 37 years old had Tommy John surgery early Sept. 2008. There is no way anyone was expecting Wagner to come back in 2009. Putz had an injury plagued year in 2008, including rehab stints in the minors, a walk rate that tripled and a 3.88 ERA, so naturally Omar gives Seattle everything they want including a then 25 year old LHP who has made 63 starts for Seattle and Endy Chavez even though Omar was going to be trying a rookie infielder in LF with TWO fly ball LHP in the rotation and then doesn’t even have Putz take a physical before the trade is finalized and then to top it off he goes and lets him pitch high stress important innings in the WBC in March.
Brilliant.
But the first and last word on recent Met bullpens has to begin and start with Schowenweiss, 3 years 11 Million dollars and Guillermo Moto, 2 years 5 Million dollars.
16 Million to Schowenweiss and Mota, who’s only success to date had come when Omar KNEW he was on steroids.
Really really brilliant.
To compare what Alderson picked up off the scrap heap with nickels to what Omar paid 16 Million dollars for is just ludicrous, not to mention the two post seasons those decisions cost us.
Billy Wagner pitched in 2009, and pitched well and btw had a fantastic season last year with Atlanta.
I know you like to second guess every move the Mets make, but I’m sure you weren’t complaing at the time of the trade that we gave up Jason Vargas to get one of the best closers in the league…And you complain about losing chavez, but was has he done since that trade? where is he now anyway?
and you talk about how it was such a bad move to have Murphy play LF because he never played it, but you say how great the Braves are, while THEY have an infielder playing LF for them this year. And Murph played started in 30 games in LF the year before, and didn’t do that bad, Prado only played LF THREE times before this year. It’s a dumb move when we do it, but when the Braves do it, who cares? It’s a great move!
And who cares HOW much money they make? I just care about how they perfrom.
How Wagner pitched in 2010 has nothing to do with with 2007 – 2009 bullpen. No one comes back in less than a year from Tommy John surgery especially a 37 year old. That was a miracle and the trade for Putz is no second guess. Every team requires a physical when trading for a previously injured pitcher, or have you never heard the phrase “pending a physical.”
I didn’t think the Putz trade was a good one at the time. I knew Putz had elbow and rib issues before the trade (as did everyone) I knew he had had a 3.88 ERA and walked 3 times the number of batters he previously had. I was vehement that this guy should not have been allowed to pitch in the WBC being that he was coming off injury. As it turned out he pitched 29 s*** innings for us. Big help.
Vargas was a young LH starter we had traded Lindstrom and Owens for and had been injured, had surgery while with us and we owed it to ourselves to see what he could do for us.
Chavez was hurt in an on field collision early in 2009 tearing his ACL. No wonder he hasn’t come back but he was a great defensive and bench player for us for 3 years and with a defensively challenged rookie LFer a very necessary component for the bench if the Murphy experiment was going to have any chance. Just look at Santana’s game in Miami where Murphy drops a fly with two out in the bottom of the 9th. If Alou was playing LF he wouldn’t have been out there, why a rookie who hadn’t even played out there more than a handful of times?
A defensively challenged rookie trying to break into the Majors being asked to learn a completely new position is quite a bit different than an established Major Leaguer who’s been to an All Star game and come in 9th in the MVP voting to do the same and then there’s the small matter of Prado actually being an all around very good baseball player, something Murphy has never been accused of. Not even close to the same thing.
If you only care about performance then how do you feel about the way Schowenweiss and Mota pitched? Fact is with the vault open Omar spent 16M on those two. To compare the guys Omar spent 16 M on to guys the next GM had only nickles to spend is not the same thing, not even close.
But Wagner did come back. And I remeber everyone talking about during the offseason how we would have THREE closers in our bullpen late in the season.
It doesn’t matter how much he spent on them. This about how good the bullpens were, not “were the worth the amount of money they got.”
Murph played the postion more times going into 09, than Prado did going into this year. And him playing good last year, has nothing to do with his ability to play LF, because he’s only played three games there in his career!
Are you kidding or just stupid?
it’s great to see young having success,but it could be all for not if we don’t do something about our dismal bullpen.
some gem, anybody could have signed a injury waiting to happen, you koolaid drinking, sandy toe suckers crack me up, first you ignore all the bad signings, also the fact team is in last place with no hope, and now u say here is the signing of the yr and he is hurt the next day, as he as been his whole career, this site and the mets are laughable